Coast Guard searches for missing free diver in Tampa Bay, Fla.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Coast Guard is searching for a 32-year old man near Bahia Reef in Tampa Bay, Florida, Tuesday.

At 11:52 a.m watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg received a mayday call via VHF-FM marine band radio channel 16 from a woman aboard a 19-foot boat reporting her friend had not resurfaced after free diving to release a dug in anchor.

An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter air crew from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Florida, and a 29-foot Response Boat Small-II boat crew from Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg were launched to commence the search.

Crews from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office are also responding.